IDENTITY THEFT HITS HOME – MELINAS STORY + TIPS TO AVOID IT

Sometimes being a responsible person with a “perfect” credit report and a high credit score can actually become a problem… it makes you the perfect victim to be for criminals on a treasure hunt!

My husband was an ID THEFT victim twice… The first time was in 2000 when He lost his wallet with all his Id’s including his Social Security Card! Of course, someone quickly used all that information to get Credit cards, public services like gas & even a job. The nightmare doesn’t end there! The IRS came looking for my husband after 2 years of not filing taxes for the job that person obtained with my husbands information.

The second time, was in 2008 when his own sister stole his DL to get a car for a friend!

To make the story short & clear, we fixed all the problems that contributed to us being a victim of ID THEFT. We know how very stressful and lengthy the “clean up” process can be. For that reason we want to help You prevent yourself from being an easy target for this rapidly growing criminal act.

You may have heard some of these before and never imagine that it could really happen to you….we’re here to tell you IT CAN, from our own experience.

1. Keep your personal information (Ids & documents) in a secure place at home, work & car.
2. Protect your purse and wallet at all times. Don’t carry your Social Security number or card. Carry only the identification information and any credit or debit cards that you’ll actually need when you go out. If you lose your wallet, File a Police Report IMMEDIATELY!
3. If You plan to throw any kind of important documentation, Always cut/destroy the papers very well or use a Shredder, this especially includes what most of us consider “junk mail” like “Pre-Approved” credit card applications.
4. Never give your information to ANYONE! Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet. Always
   make sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate person or organization. For example, when I request a Free sample I always use a false telephone
   number & a different birth Date just in case! 😉
5. If You have emails or any other kind of accounts on the internet, always create a password with a combinations of letters, numbers, and
   special characters. Avoid using easily available information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number.
6. Once a year get a Credit Report to check that all your personal information is correct. You can request your Free Annual Report HERE and You can get your FREE Credit Score HERE (Not a free trial – no CC needed EVER!)
7. Ask for more information about ID THEFT from your local authorities, the Attorney General of your state Or Get more info on the
   internet HERE

Remember:

Post by Melina Pereyra,
F3 Facebook Admin, Walgreens & CVS Deal Finder